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The first two seasons have been really tough for Western Nevada College's softball program, and this season appears to be just as tough.
The Wildcats, who had five players leave the program in the fall, have just one player, Ashley Hall, who played last season. Hall led the Wildcats in hitting (.263) and homers (4).
"It (the lack of experience) is definitely a concern," coach Leah Wentworth said, as the Wildcats are working feverishly for their season-opening four-game series against Salt Lake Community College in St. George, Utah (Feb. 11-12). "We have a a lot of players who are playing at the college level for the first time.
"I'm not happy that we just jumped into conference play, especially against Salt Lake City. Unfortunately, we didn't get to go to the preseason tournament down in Las Vegas we'd gone to in the past."
Despite the inexperience, Wentworth has been extremely pleased with the work ethic of her squad.
"The work ethic of these young ladies supersedes that of anything that we have had in the past," Wentworth said. "They are not only willing to let us push them further than they think is possible, but they are also willing to push themselves. We are excited to take the field and put all of our hard work into action."
Hall, the only returnee, will start at third. She has some pitching experience, but an injury she suffered last year will keep her out of the circle, leaving just ex-Carson star Cassie Vondrak and Jamie Klopatek.
"I'm excited that Ashley is back," Wentworth said. "She led us in numerous categories. I'm looking for her to take on a leadership role, and so far she's doing a good job at that."
A position-by-position look at WNC:
Pitching: Vondrak and Klopatek. Vondrak, a former star at Carson, missed the entire season with a hip injury, which required surgery. Klopatek pitched at Lakeland High in Rathdrum, Idaho.
"Cassie is looking really good," Wentworth said. "She had some soreness in the beginning, but she's worked through that.
"What Cassie lacks in spin, Jamie definitely makes up for it. I'm hoping they can keep hitters off balance."
Vondrak was one of the best hitters in Northern Nevada, and look for her to be in the lineup when she isn't pitching.
Infield: Sarah Cudahy (Centennial High-Las Vegas) will start at first base, and Hall starts at the other corner. Niki DiSera (Juan Diego High-Riverton, Utah) will start at second and Melanie Pfeiffer of Wooster will be at short. Virginia City's Tori Hynice backs up Cudahy at first.
"Sarah has a lot of range," Wentworth said. "She has a tall, long frame. She's a contact hitter who spreads the ball around. I see her driving the ball the opposite way. Niki is quick and has a lot of range. Sometimes she is too quick out there.
"Melanie has done a great job. She has a lot of range, too. She's a lefty slap hitter. I'm hoping she makes things happen. Tori is a strong hitter and hits with a lot of power."
Outfield: Jordan Thomas (Lakeland High-Idaho) starts in center, Lincoln High's Tera Tibbitts will be in left and Virginia City's Amanda Bohl and Mikaela Henshaw of Wooster will share time in right.
Catcher: Ex-Carson star Megan Hein has the lead over Ashley Gleason, who prepped at Clinton, Utah.
"Megan looks like she's earning the job," Wentworth said. "She receives the ball really well. She is like a wall back there. She has a real quick release.
"Megan has a llittle more power than Ashley, but Ashley will be in the lineup (a lot)."
WNC begins home play at Edmonds Sports Complex against Colorado Northwestern Community College, Friday, Feb. 18, at 1 and 3 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 19, at noon and 2 p.m.